Rising Alarm Over Influx Of Illegal Arms In Nigeria Amidst Growing Insecurity

Rising Alarm Over Influx Of Illegal Arms In Nigeria Amidst Growing InsecurityConcerns have been raised over the ongoing illegal importation of firearms into Nigeria over the past several years. Reports indicate that firearms valued in the billions of naira have been smuggled into the country over the last seven years, with the locations of many of these weapons still unknown.

It has been revealed that most of these illegal arms enter Nigeria through key points such as the Tin Can Island and Apapa ports in Lagos, as well as land borders in states like Enugu, Cross River, Kwara (Bukoro region of Baruten LGA), Oyo (Igboora area), and Ogun (Idiroko). Security experts believe that these firearms contribute significantly to the rising insecurity, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions of the country.

However, some have commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its recent efforts in intercepting illegal arms and ammunition, preventing them from worsening the nation’s security challenges. Experts are calling for increased efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for these smuggling activities.

On July 1, 2024, the NCS announced the interception of a container filled with weapons, alongside a large quantity of ammunition and drugs, with a total value of N13.9 billion. This seizure was made at the Onne Port in Rivers State and included 844 rifles and 12,500 rounds of live ammunition hidden among doors, furniture, and other items. Additionally, six containers of cough syrup containing codeine, valued at N9.6 billion, and 720 bales of used clothing were also confiscated.

The Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, provided details on the seizure, highlighting the risks associated with the shipment, which originated from Turkey. The container was tracked using intelligence from local and international partners.

The issue of illegal arms smuggling is not new. Between 2017 and 2024, various shipments of rifles, ammunition, and bomb-making materials have been intercepted at several Nigerian ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island. Smuggling routes in Kwara, Cross River, and Oyo states have also seen significant seizures.

Security experts have raised concerns about the growing use of private jetties, which are less regulated than government-controlled ports, for illegal arms shipments. They have called on the government to deploy undercover agents to monitor these jetties and gather intelligence on illegal activities. Furthermore, experts are urging the authorities to publicly identify and prosecute those involved in these illegal arms imports, as their anonymity allows the illegal trade to continue unchecked.

In response to these concerns, the Nigeria Customs Service confirmed that all seized weapons have been handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for proper documentation and destruction. The NCCSALW is collaborating with other agencies, including INTERPOL, to track the origins of the weapons and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Investigations are ongoing, with several suspects already in custody.

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